Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk assessment among outpatients attending the University of Ghana Hospital

Background : In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than half of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related deaths occur among young people. In contrast to developed countries, where CVD mortality has declined, the burden continues to rise in developing countries. This study estimated the 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular disease and assessed the risk factors of CVD risk among patients presenting to the University of Ghana Hospital. Method : A cross-sectional study with consecutive sampling was conducted among 185 participants. The World Health Organisation (W.H.O) STEPwise approach was used to collect demographic, physical measurements, and biochemical data. The Framingham risk algorithm of scores using Covariates was generated. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mean, and standard deviation were used, while the Chi-square test and bivariate and multinomial logistic regression were used to determine significant associations. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Mean 10-year Framingham risk score for the patients was 10.3% (CI: 8.9 - 11.7). Out of the 185 participants, 11.3% had scores ≥20% and were at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. There was an association between sex (p=0.031), age (p<0.001), educational level (p=0.019), hypertension (p<0.001), uncontrolled hypertension (p<0.001), diabetes (p<0.001), uncontrolled diabetes (p=0.047), and 10-year risk stratification of CVD. Most respondents had a moderate risk of developing CVDs, and about one in ten had a high CVD risk. Conclusion : CVD risk among patients at the University of Ghana Hospital was substantial, with over one in ten at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease within ten years. These findings indicate an urgent need for early screening and targeted prevention strategies to reduce future CVD burden in this population.